Top 10 · Gear
Top 10 Winter Jackets
Down parkas, synthetic belay pieces, and heavy wool coats for real cold.
Winter insulation splits three ways: down for the coldest dry cold at the lowest weight, synthetic for wet cold and active layering, and wool or waxed cotton for camp and quiet-country work where sparks and wear matter more than grams. The right pick depends on whether you're moving hard, standing still, or working around fire — most serious cold-country kits carry two of the three.
For most Northern winter travel, pair a lighter synthetic active layer with a heavier down parka you throw on the moment you stop moving. Around camp and fire, a wool or waxed cotton shell over that system outlasts anything technical.
Independent editorial picks. Buy links open the maker or a retailer search so you can price-check and pick your source.